Adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly

ABSTRACT

An adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly is disclosed that includes a first conduit member and a second conduit member that are selectively positionable relative to each other and to a drop line fitting so as to position a sprinkler head at a desired location. The first and second conduit members each have an inlet portion and an outlet portion that are offset relative to each other by a predetermined distance. The sprinkler head is positionable anywhere within a circle having a radius equal to the sum of the offsetting distances between the inlet and outlet portions of each conduit member. Elbow couplings further increase versatility. The elbow couplings may have an inlet positioned at a 45° angle or a 90° angle relative to an outlet. 
     A drop line fitting is weldable to a sprinkler drop line and includes a socket for receiving sprinkler system plumbing such as the first and second conduit members. 
     A drop line fitting is releasably secured to a sprinkler pipeline and includes either a socket for receiving sprinkler system plumbing such as the first conduit member or includes a portion having a smooth outer circumferential surface to be received by a socket of sprinkler system plumbing such as the first conduit member.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

This application is a continuation, of application Ser. No. 07/931,920,filed Aug. 18, 1992 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,066 which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/810,129filed Dec. 19, 1991 , now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/663,029 filed Mar. 1, 1991, nowabandoned, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 07/531,098 filed May 31, 1990, now abandoned, which, in turn,is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/518,469filed May 3, 1990, now abandoned.

The present invention relates generally to plumbing fittings andassemblies especially for supporting a sprinkler head and moreparticularly to assemblies and various fittings for adjustablypositioning a sprinkler head in a sprinkler system.

In the construction of new buildings as well as in the remodeling ofexisting buildings, a fire sprinkler system is typically installed ormodified in a ceiling according to a predetermined design plan. However,due to unexpected changes during construction or remodeling, themiscalculation of distances during design, or merely the inability toaccurately determine the final desired location of the sprinkler headsduring the "rough-in" phase of construction, the fire sprinkler systemdrop lines in the ceiling may not be suitably located for providingcorrect location of the sprinkler heads.

Oftentimes, the locations of the drop lines are such that the sprinklerheads end up being located in odd locations in a room or beingpositioned off-center in a ceiling tile. Such inaccurate positioning cansignificantly detract from the intended or desired esthetics of theroom. However, to achieve the required or desired positioning of thesprinkler heads, either repositioning or modification of the sprinklerdrop lines or modification to the construction or remodeling design isrequired. Such measures often prove unduly expensive and time consuming,hence, it is desired to provide an apparatus that enables the correctpositioning of sprinkler heads efficiently and inexpensively despite aninconvenient location of the sprinkler drop lines.

Several devices for positioning sprinkler heads are known which do notprovide the versatility required to obtain a desired location of asprinkler head in, for example, the center of a ceiling tile. Forexample, the device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,785,887 issued toMiller only provides for pivoting and vertical adjustment of a sprinklerhead. The devices disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,843,186 issued to Ballardand U.S. Pat. No. 4,071,266 issued to Mountford only provide forvertical adjustment of a sprinkler head. The device disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 4,699,217 issued to McLennan et al. only provides for quickconnect coupling at various predetermined locations along a drop line.

Another arrangement for positioning sprinkler heads is known from RikenCo., Ltd. as shown in a brochure entitled "Joints for Pipelines forSprinkler Systems in Fire-Extinguishing Systems." In the Rikenarrangement, however, bent pipe is used with the result that the minimumoverall length for an arrangement having two offset conduits iscalculated to be about 33.3 inches (for a one-inch inside diameterconfiguration) as compared with about 8.1 inches for two offset conduitsaccording to the present invention (again for a one-inch inside diameterconfiguration). In other words, the Riken configuration is roughly fourtimes as long as a comparable arrangement according to the presentinvention. Such a reduction in length becomes particularly significantin that the distance between the bottom of one floor and the top of anadjacent ceiling in United States construction is typically only about12 to 16 inches. Therefore, an arrangement which can reduce the minimumtotal length of the sprinkler head positioning assembly is particularlyimportant in that the reduction in length may enable the system to beused in situations where a longer system is unusable.

Also, it is particularly advantageous for the sprinkler head positioningsystem to be adjustable after rough installation, and especially to beadjustable without draining the sprinkler system of water. Typically thesprinkler system is "roughed-in" prior to the installation of theceiling grid when a drop-tile ceiling is to be installed. The sprinklersystem is installed based upon an expectation as to where the ceilinggrid members will be positioned. After the electrical work, the heatingand air conditioning and any other work which is to be installed abovethe ceiling is completed, the ceiling grids are installed. Then thesprinkler heads must be repositioned typically from one-eighth of aninch to usually no more than 6 inches in order to accurately positionthe sprinkler head at the center of the associated ceiling tile.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anadjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly which overcomes theproblems associated with obtaining correct sprinkler head positioning.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustablesprinkler head positioning system which is compact and which minimizesthe overall length of the system.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an adjustablesprinkler head positioning assembly that is simple and easy to installand use and simple and easy to adjust after installation.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide anadjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly that is inexpensive.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide apositioning assembly that permits easy adjustment of a sprinkler head toa desired location after a ceiling grid is installed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a drop linefitting that is easily securable to a sprinkler drop line and wellsuited to receive sprinkler system plumbing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an elbow couplingmember that is well suited to efficiently position a sprinkler head in aconstricted space.

Another object of the present invention is to provide fittings andcoupling members that augment the positioning capability of thepositioning assembly.

These and other objects are accomplished by an adjustable sprinkler headpositioning assembly and by fittings and elbow coupling membersaccording to the present invention.

An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to the present invention comprises a first conduit having afirst conduit inlet and a first conduit outlet with a center line of thefirst conduit outlet being offset from and parallel to a center line ofthe first conduit inlet. The first conduit inlet and the first conduitoutlet are oriented to direct fluid flow in the same direction. Thefirst conduit inlet and the first conduit outlet are substantiallycircular in cross section and the centerlines of the first conduit inletand of the first conduit outlet are offset in the radial direction by adistance equal to at least the diameter of the first conduit inlet. Thefirst conduit outlet has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

A second conduit has a second conduit inlet and a second conduit outletwith a center line of the second conduit outlet being offset from andparallel to a center line of the second conduit inlet. The secondconduit inlet and the second conduit outlet are oriented to direct fluidflow in the same direction. The second conduit inlet and the secondconduit outlet are substantially circular in cross section and thecenterlines of the second conduit inlet and the second conduit outletare offset in the radial direction by a distance equal to at least thediameter of the second conduit inlet.

The second conduit inlet comprises a socket which is integral with thesecond conduit. The smooth outer circumferential surface of the firstconduit outlet is receivable within the socket. The socket has a setscrew for securing the second conduit in a desired circumferentialposition relative to the first conduit. The socket further comprisessealing means for preventing fluid leakage between the first conduitoutlet and the second conduit inlet.

A sprinkler head is received at the second conduit outlet. The firstconduit is adjustably secured at the inlet of the first conduit to asprinkler drop line which is disposed behind a surface from which asprinkler head is intended to protrude. In this way, the sprinkler headmay be variably positioned so as to be provided at a predeterminedlocation along the surface from which a sprinkler head is intended toprotrude.

An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the present invention comprises afirst conduit which has a first conduit inlet and a first conduitoutlet. A center line of the first conduit outlet is offset from andparallel to a center line of the first conduit inlet. The first conduitinlet and the first conduit outlet are oriented to direct fluid flow inthe same direction. The first conduit inlet and the first conduit outletare substantially circular in cross section and the centerlines of thefirst conduit inlet and of the first conduit outlet are offset in theradial direction by a distance equal to at least the diameter of thefirst conduit inlet. The first conduit inlet comprises an integralsocket provided with female threads and the first conduit outletcomprises male threads. The integral socket is provided with femalethreads adjustably securing the first conduit to a sprinkler drop linewhich is disposed behind a surface from which a sprinkler head isintended to protrude.

A second conduit has a second conduit inlet and a second conduit outletwith a center line of the second conduit outlet being offset from andparallel to a center line of the second conduit inlet. The secondconduit inlet and the second conduit outlet are oriented to direct fluidflow in the same direction. The second conduit inlet and the secondconduit outlet are substantially circular in cross section and thecenterlines of the second conduit inlet and the second conduit outletare offset in the radial direction by a distance equal to at least thediameter of the second conduit inlet.

The second conduit inlet comprises an integral socket provided withfemale threads. The male threads of the first conduit outlet arethreadably receivable by the female threads of the integral socket ofthe second conduit inlet with the second conduit in a desiredcircumferential position relative to the first conduit while maintaininga fluid sealing relationship between the first conduit outlet and thesecond conduit inlet.

A sprinkler head is received at the second conduit outlet by malethreads. The first conduit including the socket of the first conduitinlet and the male threads of the first conduit outlet are identical tothe second conduit including the socket of the second conduit inlet andthe male threads of the second conduit outlet. In this way, the sametooling forms both the first conduit and the second conduit and thesprinkler head may be variably positioned so as to be provided at apredetermined location along the surface from which a sprinkler head isintended to protrude.

An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to another embodiment of the present invention comprises afirst conduit having a first conduit inlet and a first conduit outletwith a center line of the first conduit outlet being offset from andparallel to a center line of the first conduit inlet. The first conduitinlet and the first conduit outlet are oriented to direct fluid flow inthe same direction. The first conduit inlet and the first conduit outletare substantially circular in cross section and the centerlines of thefirst conduit inlet and of the first conduit outlet are offset in theradial direction by a distance equal to at least the diameter of thefirst conduit inlet. The first conduit inlet comprises an integralsocket with a smooth outer circumferential surface of a fitting providedon a sprinkler drop line which is disposed behind a surface from which asprinkler head is intended to protrude being receivable within thesocket. The socket has a set screw for securing the first conduit in adesired circumferential position relative to the sprinkler drop line.The socket further comprises a seal which prevents fluid leakage betweenthe first conduit inlet and the smooth outer circumferential surface ofthe fitting provided on the sprinkler drop line. The first conduitoutlet has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

A second conduit has a second conduit inlet and a second conduit outletwith a center line of the second conduit outlet being offset from andparallel to a center line of the second conduit inlet. The secondconduit inlet and the second conduit outlet are oriented to direct fluidflow in the same direction. The second conduit inlet and the secondconduit outlet are substantially circular in cross section and thecenterlines of the second conduit inlet and the second conduit outletare offset in the radial direction by a distance equal to at least thediameter of the second conduit inlet. The second conduit inlet comprisesan integral socket. The smooth outer circumferential surface of thefirst conduit outlet is receivable within the socket. The socket has aset screw for securing the second conduit in a desired circumferentialposition relative to the first conduit. The socket further comprises aseal for preventing fluid leakage between the first conduit outlet andthe second conduit inlet.

A sprinkler head is received at the second conduit outlet by malethreads provided on the second conduit outlet. The first conduitincluding the socket of the first conduit inlet and the smooth outercircumferential surface of the first conduit outlet is identical to thesecond conduit including the socket of the second conduit inlet and thesecond conduit outlet prior to receiving the male threads. In this way,the same tooling forms both the first conduit and the second conduit andthe sprinkler head may be variably positioned so as to be provided at apredetermined location along the surface from which a sprinkler head isintended to protrude.

A drop line fitting for a sprinkler system according to the presentinvention comprises an inlet portion which is weldable to a sprinklerdrop line such that the inlet portion is in fluid communication with thedrop line when welded to the drop line. An outlet portion is generallyin alignment with the inlet portion and in fluid communication with thedrop line when the inlet portion is welded to the drop line. A socket isprovided at the outlet portion for receiving a sprinkler system fitting.The socket includes a set screw for securing the sprinkler systemfitting to the drop line fitting such that a fluid seal is formedbetween the sprinkler system fitting and the drop line fitting.

Another drop line fitting for a sprinkler system according to thepresent invention comprises an inlet portion releasably securable to asprinkler pipeline such that the inlet portion is in fluid communicationwith the sprinkler pipeline when releasably secured to the pipeline. Anoutlet portion extends at an angle of 90° with respect to the inletportion and is in fluid communication with the pipeline when the inletportion is releasably secured to the pipeline.

A socket is provided at the outlet portion for receiving a sprinklersystem fitting and includes a set screw for securing the sprinklersystem fitting to the drop line fitting such that a fluid seal is formedbetween the sprinkler system fitting and the drop line fitting.

Another drop line fitting for a sprinkler system according to thepresent invention comprises an inlet portion which is releasablysecurable to a sprinkler pipeline such that the inlet portion is influid communication with the sprinkler pipeline when releasably securedto the pipeline. An outlet portion extends at 90° with respect to theinlet portion and is in fluid communication with the pipeline when theinlet portion is releasably secured to the pipeline. The outlet portionhas a smooth outer circumferential surface for receipt within a socketof a sprinkler system fitting having a set screw for securing thesprinkler system fitting to the drop line fitting such that a fluid sealis formed between the sprinkler system fitting and the drop linefitting.

Another drop line fitting for a pipeline according to the presentinvention comprises an inlet portion which is releasably securable to apipeline such that the inlet portion is in fluid communication with thepipeline when releasably secured to the pipeline. An outlet portionextends at 90° with respect to the inlet portion and is in fluidcommunication with the pipeline when the inlet portion is releasablysecured to the pipeline. A socket is provided at the outlet portion forreceiving a plumbing fitting and includes a set screw for securing theplumbing fitting to the drop line fitting such that a fluid seal isformed between the plumbing fitting and the drop line fitting.

Another drop line fitting for a pipeline according to the presentinvention comprises an inlet portion releasably securable to a pipelinesuch that the inlet portion is in fluid communication with the pipelinewhen releasably secured to the pipeline. An outlet portion extends at90° with respect to the inlet portion and is in fluid communication withthe pipeline when the inlet portion is releasably secured to thepipeline. The outlet portion has a smooth outer circumferential surfacefor receipt within a socket of a plumbing fitting having a set screw forsecuring the plumbing fitting to the drop line fitting such that a fluidseal is formed between the plumbing fitting and the drop line fitting.

A fitting for use in an adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly according to the present invention comprises aconduit having an inlet and an outlet wherein a center line of theoutlet is offset from and parallel to a center line of the inlet. Theinlet and the outlet are oriented to direct fluid flow in the samedirection. The inlet and the outlet are substantially circular in crosssection and the centerlines of the inlet and of the outlet are offset inthe radial direction by a distance equal to at least the diameter of theinlet. One of the inlet and the outlet comprises an integral socketwhereby a smooth outer circumferential surface of another fitting isreceivable within the socket. The socket has a set screw for securingthe conduit in a desired circumferential position relative to thefitting. The socket further comprises a seal for preventing fluidleakage between the conduit and the fitting.

Another fitting for use in an adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly according to the present invention comprises aconduit having an inlet and an outlet with a center line of the outletbeing offset from and parallel to a center line of the inlet. The inletand the outlet are oriented to direct fluid flow in the same direction.The inlet and the outlet are substantially circular in cross section andthe centerlines of the inlet and of the outlet are offset in the radialdirection by a distance equal to at least the diameter of the inlet. Oneof the inlet and the outlet comprises a smooth outer circumferentialsurface.

Another fitting for use in an adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly according to the present invention comprises aconduit having an inlet and an outlet with a center line of the outletbeing offset from and parallel to a center line of the inlet. The inletand the outlet are oriented to direct fluid flow in the same direction.The inlet and the outlet are substantially circular in cross section andthe centerlines of the inlet and of the outlet are offset in the radialdirection by a distance equal to at least the diameter of the inlet. Theinlet and the outlet are threaded.

An elbow fitting according to the present invention comprises a conduithaving an inlet and an outlet. One of the inlet and the outlet comprisesan integral socket whereby a smooth outer circumferential surface ofanother fitting is receivable within the socket. The socket has a setscrew for securing the conduit in a desired circumferential positionrelative to the fitting. The socket further comprises a seal forpreventing fluid leakage between the conduit and the fitting. The otherof the inlet and the outlet comprises male threads.

Another elbow fitting according to the present invention comprises aconduit having an inlet and an outlet. One of the inlet and the outletcomprises an integral socket whereby a smooth outer circumferentialsurface of another fitting is receivable within the socket. The sockethas a set screw for securing the conduit in a desired circumferentialposition relative to the fitting. The socket further comprises a sealfor preventing fluid leakage between the conduit and the fitting. Theother of the inlet and the outlet comprises a smooth outercircumferential surface.

Another elbow fitting according to the present invention comprises aconduit having an inlet and an outlet. One of the inlet and the outletcomprises a smooth outer circumferential surface. The other of the inletand the outlet comprises female threads.

A fitting according to the present invention comprises a conduit havingan inlet and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are colinear with oneof the inlet and the outlet comprising an integral socket. A smoothouter circumferential surface of another fitting is receivable withinthe socket. The socket has a set screw for securing the conduit to thefitting. The socket further comprises a seal for preventing fluidleakage between the conduit and the fitting. The other of the inlet andthe outlet comprises female threads.

An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblysystem according to the present invention comprises an arrangement forconnecting a sprinkler head to a supply conduit which enables thesprinkler head to be variably positioned after the sprinkler head isconnected to the supply conduit so as to be provided at a predeterminedlocation along a surface from which the sprinkler head is intended toprotrude. The system comprises a plurality of plumbing fittings at leastone of which comprises an inlet and an outlet which are not colinear.One of the inlet and the outlet of the at least one plumbing fittingcomprises a smooth outer circumferential surface which may be receivedwithin a socket. The socket has a set screw for securing the fitting ina desired circumferential position relative to the socket. The socketfurther comprises a seal for preventing fluid leakage between the atleast one plumbing fitting and the socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described ingreater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein likemembers bear like reference numerals and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the positioningassembly according to the present invention in a disassembled condition;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the positioningassembly according to the present invention along the lines 2--2 of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the positioning assembly according to thepresent invention as mounted for use;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second conduit of FIG. 1in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the second conduit of FIG. 1in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one conduit of another embodiment ofthe positioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an elbow coupling useful in thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another elbow coupling useful in thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an elbow coupling according to theprior art which is useful in the positioning assembly according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the positioning assemblyaccording to the present invention as assembled in one arrangement;

FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the positioning assemblyaccording to the present invention as assembled in another arrangement;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a segment of the positioningassembly according to the present invention along the lines 13--13 ofFIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a vertical adjustment assembly foruse in the positioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another vertical adjustmentassembly for use in the positioning assembly according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another vertical adjustmentassembly for use in the positioning assembly according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a fitting useful in the positioningassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another elbow coupling useful inthe positioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of another elbow coupling useful inthe positioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit in accordance with anadditional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of another elbow coupling useful inthe positioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of another. embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a drop line fitting according tothe prior art;

FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of another conduit in accordance withan additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of another conduit in accordance withan additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of another elbow of the positioningassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of another elbow of the positioningassembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of another conduit in accordance withan additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a conduit according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of another conduit in accordance withan additional embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of thepositioning assembly according to the present invention;

FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of an elbow according to the prior artuseful in the arrangements of the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drop linefitting according to the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drop linefitting according to the present invention; and

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a drop linefitting according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of theadjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly according to the presentinvention includes a first conduit 10 which may be fabricated of blacksteel but is preferably fabricated of cast iron (such as 30,000 poundgrey iron) and more preferably of cast ductile iron.

The use of ductile cast iron is especially preferable in the embodimentsof the present invention having a socket and set screw connectionbecause the use of ductile cast iron reduces the likelihood that thespigot (received in the socket) may crack as a result of over-tighteningof the set screw in the socket.

The first conduit as well as other fittings and conduits according tothe present invention may be cast of plastic such as by injectionmolding provided that the use of such plastic is in compliance with allapplicable codes and regulations relating to fire protection systems. Inaddition, the fittings and conduits according to the present inventionmay be fabricated from any material suitable for transporting waterunder pressure in compliance with the applicable fire codes andregulations.

The first conduit 10 includes an inlet portion 11 having a circularcross-section (as in pipe or tubing) and an outlet portion 12 having acircular cross-section. The first conduit 10 is fabricated to have asmooth and substantially constant area internal cross-section betweenthe inlet portion 11 and the outlet portion 12 and the center line ofthe inlet portion 11 is parallel to, but offset from, the center line ofthe inlet portion 12 by a distance designated as X₁. In one embodimentof the present invention, the offsetting distance X₁ is at least asgreat as an inner diameter D₁ of the inlet portion 11.

Included at the inlet portion 11 is an attachment arrangement forconnecting the first conduit 10 to a sprinkler system drop line fitting.The attachment arrangement includes a set screw 13 along with a sealsupport collar 14 and a gasket or resilient seal 15. As shown in FIGS.11 and 13, when the first conduit 10 is connected to a fitting 28 of asprinkler system drop line (not shown), the fitting 28 is snuglypositioned within the resilient seal 15. Additionally, the set screw 13has been rotated so as to engage an external circumferential wall of thefitting 28 and to thus prevent movement of the first conduit relative tothe sprinkler drop line fitting. The set screw may engage the fitting 28at any peripheral location along the outer circumference of the fitting28, hence, the first conduit 10 may be selectively secured to thefitting at any desired circumferential position relative to the dropline fitting 28.

The sprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention alsoincludes a second conduit 20 having an inlet portion 21 having acircular cross-section and an outlet portion 22 having a circularcross-section. The second conduit 20 is fabricated to have a smoothconstant area internal cross-section between the inlet portion 21 andthe outlet portion 22 and the center lines of both the inlet portion 21and the outlet portion 22 are parallel to each other but offset by adistance designated as X₂. In one embodiment of the present invention,the distance designated as X₂ is at least as large as the inner diameterdesignated as D₂ of the inlet portion 21. The second conduit 20 may beof black steel but is preferably of cast iron pipe and more preferablyof cast ductile iron but may be fabricated from any material suitablefor transporting water under pressure in compliance with the applicablefire codes and regulations including being cast of plastic, for example,by injection molding.

As with the inlet portion 11 of the first conduit 10, the inlet portion21 of the second conduit 20 also includes an attachment arrangement.However, the attachment arrangement in the second conduit 20 is used forconnecting the second conduit 20 to the first conduit 10 and not forconnecting the second conduit 20 to a drop line fitting. In particular,the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit 20 is configured to receivethe outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. In similarity with theattachment arrangement of the first conduit 10, the attachmentarrangement of the second conduit 20 includes a set screw 23 along witha seal support collar 24 and a gasket or resilient seal 25 which isreceived within an annular groove in the seal support collar 24.

On the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 are disposed externalthreads 26. The external threads 26 are suitable for receiving asprinkler head. To enable use of the assembly for certain sprinklerheads, the outlet portion 22 may be fabricated with internal threadsinstead. In the assembled condition, the outlet portion 12 of the firstconduit 10 is received within the inlet portion 21 of the second conduit20. More specifically, the outlet portion 12 is positioned such thatsnug, liquid tight contact exists between the outlet portion 12 and theresilient seal 25 of the inlet portion 21. The set screw 23 engages thesmooth external circumferential wall of the outlet portion 12 and thusprevents movement of the second conduit 20 relative to the first conduit10. If desired, the smooth external wall of the outlet portion 12 may beprovided with a slight taper to facilitate insertion of the outletportion or spigot into the socket 24. The set screw 23 may engage theoutlet portion 12 at any peripheral location along the outercircumference of the outlet portion 12, hence, the second conduit 20 maybe selectively secured to the first conduit 10 at any desiredcircumferential position relative to the first conduit 10.

In the assembled state, the adjustable sprinkler head positioningassembly also includes a sprinkler head 27 that is received in theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. Specifically, the sprinklerhead 27 has internal threads that engage the external threads 26 of theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. In order to prevent leakagebetween the sprinkler head 27 and the outlet portion 22, the sprinklerhead 27 must be sufficiently threaded onto the outlet portion 22, so asto form a fluid tight seal between the sprinkler head 27 and the outletportion 22.

During the construction and assembly of a fire sprinkler system in abuilding, the present invention is advantageously utilized to obtain adesired position of the sprinkler head. In particular, as shown in FIG.3 the present invention is especially useful for orienting a sprinklerhead 27 into a center location of a ceiling tile 30 despite theoff-center orientation of the sprinkler drop line 31.

Referring to both FIGS. 1 and 3, a desired position of the sprinklerhead 27 is achieved by first connecting the first conduit 10 to thefitting 28 of the sprinkler drop line 31. So as to allow easy adjustmentof the circumferential position of the first conduit 10 relative to thefitting 28, the set screw 13 undergoes only hand-tightened engagementwith the outer wall of the fitting 28. Then, the outlet portion 12 ofthe first conduit 10 is received by the inlet portion 21 of the secondconduit 20 so as to connect the second conduit 20 to the first conduit10. Again, so as to allow easy adjustment of the circumferentialpositioning, the set screw 23 undergoes only hand-tightened engagementwith the outer wall of the outlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10.

After the first and second conduits 10, 20 have been assembled to thefitting 28, a sprinkler head 27 may at this time be inserted into theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. However, to easeconstruction, the sprinkler head 27 may be mounted on the second conduit20 prior to connecting the second conduit 20 to the first conduit 10.Yet further, mounting of the sprinkler head may be delayed until finalpositioning of the conduits is achieved.

As the set screws 13 and 23 are only hand tightened, the first conduit10 may be adjustably rotated around the fitting 28 and the secondconduit 20 may be adjustably rotated around the outlet portion 12 of thefirst conduit 10. That is, the first and second conduits 10, 20 may beadjustably rotated according to the arrows in FIG. 3. Since the inletand outlet portions of each conduit 10, 20 are respectively offset bythe distances X₁ and X₂ (see FIG. 1), the rotation of each conduitenables the sprinkler head 27 to be positioned anywhere within a circlehaving a radius equal to the sum of the offsetting distances X₁, X₂.Consequently, through rotational adjustment of the conduits 10, 20, adesired location of the sprinkler head 27 may be achieved as shown inFIG. 3. More specifically, a sprinkler head 27 may be positioned in thecenter of a ceiling tile 30 despite the off-centered location of thesprinkler drop line 31.

Once the desired position of the sprinkler head 27 is obtained, the setscrews 13 and 23 are tightened to a sufficient degree so as to ensure aliquid tight seal at the fitting 28 and at the outlet portion 12 of thefirst conduit 10.

Preferably, the first and second conduits have a one inch internaldiameter and the first conduit 10 has a length of just over 5 incheswith the distance X₁ being 3 inches. The second conduit 20 likewise hasa length of just over 5 inches and the distance X₂ is again 3 inches.Therefore the overall length of the first and second conduits (whenconnected to one another) is less than 10 inches for a one inch internaldiameter configuration because of the engagement of the first outlet inthe second inlet but the arrangement enables the sprinkler to bepositioned anywhere within a circle having a 12 inch diameter.

As shown in FIG. 1, the overall length of the first conduit is about 6times the cross sectional diameter of the minimum passageway through theconduit. Therefore, if the minimum passageway is one inch, the overalllength of the first conduit is about 6 inches. With reference to FIG. 6,because of the insertion of the outlet of the first conduit into theinlet of the second conduit, the overall length of the combined firstand second conduits is less than 10 times the cross sectional diameterof the minimum passageway. In other words, if the minimum internaldiameter is one inch, the overall length of the preferred embodiment isless than 10 inches when the first and second conduits are combinedtogether.

With reference now to FIG. 4, according to a second embodiment of thesprinkler head positioning assembly of the present invention, the outletportion 22 of the second conduit 20 is configured so as to have externalthreads 31 and internal threads 32. An outlet portion 22 so configuredis adapted to receive a sprinkler head assembly that incorporates avertical adjustment feature. For example, the embodiment of FIG. 4 issuited to receive a vertically adjustable wet drop nipple such as thatdisclosed in a publication of Allied Piping Products Company, Inc. for aModel 300 and a Model 125 Wet Drop Nipple. An assembly in accordancewith the present invention having an outlet portion configuration ofFIG. 4 thus is capable of adjusting the position of a sprinkler head 27both horizontally through the rotational adjustment of first and secondconduits 10, 20 and vertically through the adjustment of a wet dropnipple.

According to a third embodiment of the sprinkler head positioningassembly of the present invention, with reference now to FIG. 5, theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 includes an outlet cylinder47 inserted into the outlet portion 22 and secured therein by commonlyknown O-ring seals 48. The bottom portion of the outlet cylinder 47 isconfigured to receive a sprinkler head inlet. A fluid passageway 49extends through the entire length of the cylinder 47.

The outlet cylinder 47 is further secured to the outlet portion 22 ofthe second conduit 20 by an outside collar 43. The outside collar 43includes two sets of internal threads 44, 46. The first set of internalthreads 44 engage external threads 42 on the outlet cylinder 47. Thesecond set of internal threads 46 engage the external threads 45 of theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20.

When the outlet cylinder 47 is secured to the outlet portion 22, withreference to FIG. 5, the vertical position of the outlet cylinder 47 maybe adjusted by rotating the cylinder 47 relative to the collar 43. Byrotating the cylinder 47, a sprinkler head outlet attached to a bottomportion of the cylinder 47 is vertically adjusted due to the engagementof internal threads 44 with external threads 42. However, a fluid sealis maintained between the outlet cylinder 47 and the outlet portion 22during vertical adjustment due to the presence of the O-rings 48. Aswith the second embodiment of FIG. 4, the third embodiment of FIG. 5provides a sprinkler head positioning assembly that adjusts a sprinklerhead both horizontally and vertically such that a desired position ofthe sprinkler head is achieved.

According to a fourth embodiment of the sprinkler head positioningassembly of the present invention as shown in FIG. 6, the outlet portion22 of the second conduit 20 is formed to have a smooth circumferentialouter surface. That is, instead of the outlet portion 22 having externalthreads 26 as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), the outlet portion22 has an outer circumferential surface that is smooth. Consequently,the second conduit 20 is configured the same as the first conduit 10 andthe two conduits then become interchangeable. As a result, manufacturingcosts are reduced since the same tooling may be used to form both thefirst and second conduits of the a sprinkler head assembly positioningassembly of the present invention. For the fourth embodiment of thepresent invention, a conventional sprinkler head for mounting on asmooth outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 22 of thesecond conduit 20 may be utilized e.g. same product.

According to a fifth embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler headpositioning assembly of the present invention as shown in FIG. 7, aconduit 70 is provided that may serve as both the first and secondconduit of the adjustable assembly of the present invention. The conduit70 includes an inlet portion 71 and an outlet portion 72 wherein bothinlet portion 71 and the outlet portion 72 have a smooth outercircumferential surface. The conduit member 70 of the fifth embodimentmust be utilized with intervening coupling members in order toappropriately assemble the positioning assembly of the presentinvention. Numerous types of previously known coupling members may beused.

A sixth embodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assemblyof the present invention as shown in FIG. 17 includes a conduit 170 thatmay be used in combination with conduits of previously describedembodiments or may serve as both the first and second conduit of theadjustable assembly of the present invention in a manner similar to thatof the fifth embodiment.

The conduit 170 includes an inlet portion 171 and an outlet portion 172wherein both portions are configured with an attachment arrangement suchas that utilized on the inlet portion of the conduit 10 depicted inFIG. 1. The attachment arrangement, or socket, at both the inlet portion171 and outlet portion 172 includes a set screw 173 along with a sealsupport collar 174 and a resilient seal 175. For example, when servingas both first and second conduits, the first conduit may be connected tothe second conduit by means of a smooth pipe.

When the conduit member 170 of the sixth embodiment is utilized as boththe first and second conduit, an intervening connecting member (notshown) such as a smooth extension pipe is used to connect the first andsecond conduit members. The intervening connecting member is receivableinto the outlet portion attachment arrangement of the first conduit aswell as into the inlet portion attachment arrangement of the secondconduit. Further, a sprinkler head assembly is used that is receivableinto the attachment arrangement of the outlet portion of the secondconduit.

Additional embodiments of the adjustable sprinkler head positioningassembly of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 21-24. In each ofFIGS. 21-24, a conduit is shown that may be used either in combinationwith the conduits of other embodiments described herein or may serve asboth the first and second conduit of the adjustable assembly of thepresent invention in a manner similar to that described with respect tothe fifth embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 21, a conduit 210 includes an inlet portion 211 and anoutlet portion 212. The outlet portion 212 is configured with anattachment arrangement such as that utilized on the inlet portion of theconduit 10 depicted in FIG. 1. The attachment arrangement, or socket, atthe outlet portion 212 includes a set screw 213 along with a seal 215seated in a seal support collar 214. The inlet portion 211 is configuredto include internal threads 216.

If desired, the inlet and outlet portions of the conduit 210 could bereversed with the socket 214 forming the inlet and the female threadedportion 211 forming the outlet of the conduit.

Referring to FIG. 22, a conduit 220 includes an inlet portion 221 and anoutlet portion 222. The outlet portion 222 has a smooth outercircumferential surface and the inlet portion 221 includes externalthreads 223.

Referring to FIG. 23, a conduit 230 includes an outlet portion 232 andan inlet portion 231. The outlet portion 232 is configured to have asmooth outer circumferential surface and the inlet portion 231 isconfigured with internal threads 233.

Referring to FIG. 24, a conduit 240 includes an inlet portion 241 and anoutlet portion 242. The inlet portion 241 is configured to have externalthreads 244 and the outlet portion 242 is configured to have internalthreads 243.

Referring to FIG. 26, a conduit 310 includes an outlet portion 315 andan inlet portion 311. Both the outlet portion 315 and the inlet portion311 are configured to have external threads 313, 314, respectfully.

Referring to FIG. 27, a conduit 320 includes an inlet portion 321 and anoutlet portion 327. Both the inlet portion 321 and the outlet portion327 are configured to have internal threads 326, 322, respectfully.

Vertical adjustment assemblies may be envisioned for use with any of thedisclosed embodiments of the adjustable sprinkler head positioningassembly of the present invention. For example, a first verticaladjustment assembly as shown in FIG. 14 or a second vertical adjustmentassembly as shown in FIG. 15 may be utilized at least in the firstembodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of thepresent invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 ofthe first embodiment is threadably engaged via threads 26 in a firstvertical adjustment assembly 140. The vertical adjustment assembly 140includes a collar 141 that houses a seal 149 and a set screw 143. Thevertical adjustment assembly 140 also includes a vertical adjustmenttube 142 which is formed to have a top flange portion 146 and apassageway 144 extending the length of the tube 142. The diameter of theflange 146 is less than the inner diameter Q₁ of the outlet portion 22of the second conduit 20. Preferably, the diameter of the flange 146 isat least 0.010 inches less than the inner diameter Q₁. The tube 142 at alower end is adapted to receive a sprinkler head.

Since the diameter of the flange 146 is less than the inner diameter ofthe outlet portion 22, the tube 142 is vertically adjustable within theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20. In a furthermost extendedposition of the tube 142, the flange 146 abuts a land 145 on theadjustment collar 141. During use, the tube 142 will be verticallyoriented so that a sprinkler head may be attached at a desirablevertical location. The set screw 143 will then be urged against the tube142 to secure the tube 142 in the proper position. Leakage is preventedby the seal 144.

A second vertical adjustment assembly 160 may also be used with at leastthe first embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 15.Specifically, the outlet portion 22 of the second conduit 20 is receivedin a collar 161 via threads 26. The collar 161 includes a threadedportion 167 for receiving a compression fitting comprising a fitting 165along with compression collar 164. The compression fitting serves tosecure an adjustment tube 162 at a desired vertical location while alsoproviding a fluid seal. The tube 162 is flared at a top end wherein adiameter of the flare is less than the inner diameter Q₁ of the outletportion 22 of the second conduit 20. Preferably, the diameter of theflare is 0.010 inches less than the inner diameter Q₁. A lower end ofthe tube 162 is configured to receive a sprinkler head.

During use, the tube 162 will be moved to a vertical position accordingto a desired location of the sprinkler head. Then the compression collar164 will be threadably secured to the threaded portion 167 of the collar161. As the compression collar 164 is threaded, the fitting 165 isdeformed to compress around the outer circumference of a tube 162 suchthat tube 162 is secured in the desired vertical position. In addition,the fitting 165 is compressed to prevent any fluid leakage between thefitting 165 and the outer surface of the tube 162.

A third vertical adjustment assembly 150 may be utilized with at leastthe fourth and fifth embodiments of the adjustable sprinkler headpositioning assembly of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 16, thesmooth outer circumferential surface of the outlet portion 22 of thesecond conduit 20 is received in a collar 151. The outlet portion 22 issecured in the collar 151 by a set screw 153. In addition, the outletportion 22 is surrounded by a seal 158 which is housed in the collar151.

The lower structure of the third vertical adjustment assembly 150 issubstantially the same as the first vertical adjustment assembly 140(see FIG. 14). That is, the vertical adjustment assembly 150 includes anadjustable tube 152 having a flange 156 and a passageway 155. The flange156 has a diameter that is less than the inner diameter Q₁ of the outletportion 22 such that the tube 152 is freely movable in a verticaldirection within the outlet portion 22. Preferably, the diameter of theflange 156 is 0.010 inches less than the inner diameter Q₁. The tube 152is secured at a desired vertical location by tightening of the set screw154. In addition, a seal 159 prevents fluid leakage around the tube 152.In an extended position of the tube 152, the flange 156 abuts a land 157of the collar 151.

With any of the three vertical adjustment assemblies 141, 150, 160, thetube that is vertically adjustable within each assembly may befabricated of any desirable length. Typically, however, the length ofsuch tubes ranges between 31/2 inches to 5 inches long. The disclosedvertical adjustment assemblies are especially useful when adjustmentswithin the range of 0 to around 21/2 inches are necessary. Adjustmentswithin this range are often necessary when a series of sprinkler headsare mounted along the length of one drop line since such drop lines areusually mounted at an incline to allow gravity drainage if desired.Typically, sprinkler drop lines are oriented such that there is a 1/8inch vertical drop for every 10 feet of line.

In certain situations wherein the sprinkler head positioning assembly ofthe present invention is utilized, it is often advantageous or necessaryto use an elbow coupling member along with extension pipes in order toexpand the usefulness of the assembly. Examples of the use of such elbowcouplings and extension pipes are depicted in FIGS. 11 and 12. Dependingon which embodiment of the present invention is being utilized in anyparticular situation, however, different elbow couplings may berequired.

For example, in certain circumstances, an elbow coupling 80 as shown inFIG. 8 may be utilized. Elbow coupling 80 includes an inlet portion 81that is substantially the same as the inlet portion 11 of the firstconduit member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention (seeFIG. 1). That is, the first inlet portion 81 includes a seal supportcollar 84 for a circumferential seal 85 along with a set screw 83 forsecuring the received member. The elbow coupling 80 also includes anoutlet portion 82 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion22 of the second conduit member 20 of the first embodiment of thepresent invention (see FIG. 1). That is, the outlet portion 82 includesexternal threads 86.

Another example of an acceptable elbow coupling is an elbow coupling 90as shown in FIG. 9. The elbow coupling 90 includes an inlet portion 91that is substantially the same as the inlet portion 81 of the elbowcoupling 80 (see FIG. 8). The inlet portion 91 includes a seal supportcollar 94 along with a seal 95 and a set screw 93. The elbow coupling 90also includes an outlet portion 92 that is substantially the same as theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of a fourth embodimentof the present invention (see FIG. 6). That is, the outlet portion 92has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

The elbow coupling 90 provides both lateral adjustability as well asvertical adjustability and may also be adjusted about 360° afterinstallation while still providing a leak-tight connection.

Another example of an acceptable elbow coupling is elbow coupling 280 asshown in FIG. 28. The elbow coupling 280 includes an inlet portion 281having internal threads 282. The elbow coupling also includes an outletportion 283 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion 22 ofthe second conduit member 20 of a fourth embodiment of the presentinvention (see FIG. 6). That is, the outlet portion 283 has a smoothouter circumferential surface.

Yet an additional example of an acceptable elbow coupling is elbowcoupling 100 as shown in FIG. 10. The elbow coupling 100 isconventionally known and has two opening portions 101, 102, each ofwhich is configured the same as the inlet portions 81 and 91 of theelbow couplings 80 and 90 (see FIGS. 8 and 9). The first opening 101 hasa seal support collar 104 for the seal 105 and includes a set screw 103.The second opening 102 includes a seal support collar 106 for a seal 107and also includes a set screw 108. FIGS. 8-10 are examples of elbowcouplings wherein the opening portions are positioned at a 90 degreeangle from each other. However, spacing and orientation constraintssometimes are such that it is advantageous to use elbow couplingswherein the opening portions are positioned at about a 45 degree anglefrom each other. FIGS. 19 and 20 are examples of such fittings.

Referring to FIG. 19, an elbow coupling 190 includes an inlet portion191 that is substantially the same as the inlet portion 191 of the firstconduit member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention (SeeFIG. 1). The inlet portion 191 includes a seal support collar 195 alongwith a seal 197 and a set screw 193. The elbow coupling 190 alsoincludes an outlet portion 199 that is substantially the same as theoutlet portion 22 of the second conduit member 20 of the fourthembodiment of the present invention (See FIG. 6). That is, the outletportion 199 has a smooth outer circumferential surface.

Referring to FIG. 20, an elbow coupling 200 includes an inlet portion201 that is substantially the same as the inlet portion of the firstconduit member 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention (SeeFIG. 1). That is, the first inlet portion 201 includes a seal supportcollar 205 for a circumferential seal 207 along with a set screw 203 forsecuring the received member. The elbow coupling 200 also includes anoutlet portion 209 that is substantially the same as the outlet portion22 of the second conduit member 20 of the first embodiment of thepresent invention (See FIG. 1). That is, the outlet portion 209 includesexternal threads 202.

The particular embodiment of the positioning assembly of the presentinvention that is used will dictate which of the above disclosed elbowcoupling members 80, 90, 100, 190, 200 will be utilized in anyparticular space constraining situation. For example, when the firstembodiment of the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly of thepresent invention is used, the elbow coupling 100 may be advantageouslyused to achieve correct positioning of a sprinkler head as depicted inFIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, two elbow couplings 100, along with extension pipes111 and 112, may be utilized to position a sprinkler head in a locationin a lateral direction X and a vertical direction Y that would beotherwise unattainable through the utilization of the conduit members10,20 by themselves. A first elbow coupling 100 is attached to theoutlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. A lateral extension pipe 111is then positioned between the first elbow coupling 100 and a secondelbow coupling 100. A vertical extension pipe 112 is then connectedbetween the second elbow coupling 100 and the inlet portion 21 of thesecond conduit member 20. As assembled in this manner, the secondconduit member 20 is still adjustable relative to the first conduitmember 10, however, the adjustment is provided at a greater lateral andvertical distance from the drop line 120 than would otherwise beobtainable using the first and second conduit members alone.

Referring to FIG. 12, a situation occasionally arises wherein adrop-line fitting 28 is positioned such that there is insufficient spaceeither in the lateral X direction or the vertical Y direction to use thefirst and second conduit members 10, 20 alone. However, such spaceconstraints may be overcome without loss of adjustability through theutilization of an elbow coupling 90, two elbow couplings 100, a lateralextension pipe 111 and a vertical extension pipe 112. Specifically, theelbow coupling 90 is attached to the fitting 28 of the drop-line 120 soas to orient the outlet portion 92 of the coupling 90 in the verticaldirection Y as shown in FIG. 13. The inlet portion 11 of the firstconduit member 10 is then attached over the outlet portion 92 of theelbow coupling 90 while a first elbow coupling 100 is attached to theoutlet portion 12 of the first conduit 10. The first elbow coupling 100is then, in turn, connected to one end of the lateral extension pipe 111while an opposite end of the extension pipe 111 is fixed to a secondelbow coupling 100. The second elbow coupling 100 is connected to oneend of the vertical extension pipe 112 while an opposite end of thevertical pipe 112 is received by the inlet portion 21 of the secondconduit 20. As assembled in this manner, a desired location of asprinkler head may yet be achieved despite space constraints in both thelateral X and vertical Y directions. Further, the adjustability of thepositioning assembly is retained.

Overcoming the space constrictions depicted in FIG. 12 could be achievedwith fewer parts if the fitting 28 were oriented upwardly from thedrop-line 120 instead of from the side and if fitting 28 had a femaleconfiguration instead of a male configuration. (This alternateconfiguration is not shown in the drawings.) Through the utilization ofsuch a fitting 28, the male portion of the first conduit 10 would beinserted into the fitting 28 and then, the male portion 92 of thecoupling 90 would be inserted into the female portion of the firstconduit member 10. The lateral extension pipe 111 would then be insertedinto the female portion of the coupling 90. In this manner, there is noneed of the additional coupling 100 yet full adjustability of theassembly is maintained.

Referring to FIG. 25, a situation occasionally arises wherein space isespecially restricted in the vertical direction between a floor 260 andthe dropped ceiling 259 such that other embodiments of the presentinvention are not easily used. Such space constraints may be overcomewhile maintaining adjustability through the utilization of a pair ofU-shaped conduit members 251, 252. The first conduit 251 includes aninlet portion 253 and an outlet portion 254, wherein the center lines ofboth the inlet portion 253 and outlet portion 254 are offset as withpreviously described embodiments. However, the first conduit 251 isconfigured to have a U-shape such that the direction of flow out of theconduit is opposite to the direction of the flow entering the conduit.

The second conduit 252 similarly includes an inlet portion 255 and anoutlet portion 256 and is also configured to have a U-shape. The inletportion 255 is configured to adjustably engage the outlet portion 254 ofthe first conduit 251. The outlet portion 256 is configured to receivethe sprinkler head structure.

The U-shaped first and second conduits 251, 252 do not require as muchvertical space as previously described embodiments of the presentinvention. Moreover, the offset nature of the centerlines of the inletand outlet portions of each conduit maintain the adjustability of thesprinkler head positioning assembly when connected to a sprinkler watersupply line 258.

The inlet and outlet portions of both the first and second conduits 251,252 may be manufactured with any of the configurations as described withprevious embodiments. In one embodiment, the inlet portion 253 of thefirst conduit 251 includes external threads which are engaged withinternal threads of a pipe nipple 257 from the sprinkler water supplyline 258. The outlet portion 254 of the first conduit 251 is configuredwith an attachment arrangement such as that utilized on the inletportion of the conduit 10 depicted in FIG. 1.

The inlet portion 255 of the second conduit 252 has a smoothcircumferential surface for engagement into the attachment arrangement,or socket, of the outlet portion 254 of the first conduit 251. Theoutlet portion 256 of the second conduit 252 includes internal threadsfor receiving a sprinkler head assembly 260.

Numerous other configurations utilizing the various embodiments of thepresent invention along with various elbow couplings to achievevirtually any desired location for a sprinkler head may be envisioned bythe present invention. The examples specifically disclosed are merelyexemplary.

In current sprinkler systems, a fitting known as a WELDOLET is sometimesused to serve as the outlet fixture on drop lines for attaching thesprinkler conduits. Such a fitting is described in an advertisingpublication entitled WELDOLET by B. F. Gilmour Co., Inc. The inlet ofthe WELDOLET is welded to a drop line at a desired location and then, inturn, a branch pipe, is welded to the outlet of the WELDOLET. TheWELDOLET may be used to provide a fitting similar to the fitting 28 ofFIGS. 11-13.

To eliminate some of the welding steps involved with providing asuitable fitting on a sprinkler drop line and to enhance the versatilityof the present invention, a fitting 180 as disclosed in FIG. 18 may beutilized. The outlet 181 of the fitting 180 includes an attachmentarrangement, or socket, such as that included on several of previousembodiments of the first and second conduits. The socket includes a setscrew 183 along with a seal support collar 185 and a resilient seal 187.

The inlet 189 of the fitting 180 is welded to a drop line in a mannersimilar to that used with the WELDOLET. Then, a branch pipe or otherdesired plumping section may be immediately secured to the fitting viathe socket. In this manner, additional welding steps are avoided whenpreparing a drop line to receive sprinkler system plumbing sections. Ifdesired, the fitting 180 may be lengthened and the socket oriented at90° with respect to the inlet (not shown). Other angles may be providedas appropriate.

With reference now to FIG. 29, a drop line fitting 700 according to thepresent invention includes an inlet portion formed by a bracket member710. The bracket member 710 includes a bottom surface 712 whichcorresponds generally to the curvature of a pipeline to which the dropline fitting is to be secured.

The bracket member 710 includes an annular channel 716 in the bottomsurface 712 which is adapted to receive a resilient sealing member 718.If desired, the annular channel 716 and the resilient sealing member 718may include portions which extend outwardly (not shown) whereby rotationof the sealing member 718 in the annular channel 716 is prevented.

Preferably, the inner wall of the annular channel forms an annularprojection 720 which extends slightly beyond the bottom surface 712 ofthe bracket member 712. In this way, if a hole is provided in thepipeline which has a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of theinner wall of the annular channel, the annular projection 720 extendsinto the hole in the pipeline and helps to prevent movement of thebracket member 710 relative to the pipeline.

A U-bolt 722 is provided to releasably secure the bracket member 710 tothe pipeline. The U-bolt has a mid-section which has a curvaturegenerally corresponding to the curvature of the pipeline. The U-bolt 722has threaded ends 724 which are received by passageways 726 provided inthe bracket member 710. Because the threaded ends of the U-bolt are notparallel to one another, the passageways are formed as slots so as topermit the assembly of the U-bolt and the bracket member. The threadedends 724 of the U-bolt receive nuts 728 which are used to securelyfasten the drop line fitting to the pipeline.

If desired, the threaded ends of the U-bolt may be generally parallel toone another (not shown) and received within holes provided in thebracket member 710.

The annular projection of the bracket member forms an inlet portion forthe fitting with the annular projection being in communication with anoutlet portion 730 which is generally aligned with the annularprojection 720. The outlet portion 730 has a smooth outer circumferenceand is adapted to be received by the inlet portion 11 of the firstconduit 10. The inlet portion includes a seal support collar 14 alongwith a resilient seal 15 and a set screw 13. The seal 15 provides afluid tight connection between the outlet portion 730 and the inletportion of the first conduit 10. The set screw 13 enables the firstconduit 10 to be secured to the outlet portion 730 in any desiredorientation about 360°.

Alternatively, the outlet portion may be received by the inlet portionof various plumbing fittings as described in the foregoingspecification. In each case, however, the inlet portion includes a sealsupport collar along with a seal and a set screw. The seal provides afluid tight connection between the outlet portion 730 and the inletportion of the plumbing fitting. The set screw enables the plumbingfitting to be secured to the outlet portion 730 in any desiredorientation about 360°.

With reference now to FIG. 30, a more preferred form of the drop linefitting 700' according to the present invention corresponds generally tothe drop line fitting 700 of FIG. 29 except that the outlet portion 730'includes a seal support collar 760 along with a resilient seal 762 and aset screw 764. The seal 762 provides a fluid tight connection betweenthe outlet portion 730 and the inlet portion of various plumbingfittings as described in the foregoing specification. In each case,however, the inlet portion of the plumbing fitting includes a smoothouter circumference which is adapted to be received by the seal supportcollar 760. The seal 762 provides a fluid tight connection between theoutlet portion 730' and the inlet portion of the plumbing fitting. Theset screw enables the plumbing fitting to be secured to the outletportion 730' in any desired orientation about 360°.

In the preferred embodiment, a nipple 765 having a length suitable toposition the first conduit 10 and the second conduit 20 at a desiredvertical position relative to a ceiling tile is provided between theseal support collar 760 and the inlet 11 of the first conduit 10. Oneend of the nipple is received by the socket of the drop line fitting andthe other end of the nipple is received by the socket of the firstconduit 10.

In another preferred embodiment, the drop line fitting 700' is providedon a pipeline so that the outlet extends upwardly (not shown). An elbowhaving a smooth male inlet portion is received by the socket of the dropline fitting and then rotated to a desired orientation. The set screw ofthe socket on the drop line fitting is then tightened to secure theelbow with respect to the drop line fitting. Appropriate plumbingfittings are then provided as desired to connect the outlet of the elbowwith the inlet of a first conduit 10.

With reference to FIG. 31, another drop line fitting 740 according tothe present invention includes a pair of bracket members each of whichincludes an inlet portion formed by a bracket member 742. Each bracketmember 742 includes a bottom surface 744 which corresponds generally tothe curvature of a pipeline to which the drop line fitting is to besecured.

Each bracket member 740 includes an annular channel (see FIG. 29) in thebottom surface 744 which is adapted to receive a resilient sealingmember. If desired, the annular channel and the resilient sealing memberof each bracket member 742 may include portions which extend outwardly(not shown) whereby rotation of the sealing member in the annularchannel is prevented.

Preferably, the inner wall of the annular channel of each bracket member742 forms an annular projection which extends slightly beyond the bottomsurface 744 of the bracket member 740. In this way, if a hole isprovided completely through the pipeline which hole has a diameterslightly larger than the diameter of the inner wall of the annularchannel, the annular projections 748 extend into the hole in thepipeline and help to prevent movement of the bracket member 740 relativeto the pipeline.

A pair of bolts 750 releasably secure the two bracket members 740 toeach other and to the pipeline. The bolts 750 each have a threaded end752 and the bolts are received by passageways 754 provided in thebracket members 740. The threaded ends 752 of the bolts receive nuts 755which are used to securely fasten the drop line fitting to the pipeline.

Each of the annular projections of the bracket members forms an inletportion for the fitting with the annular projections being incommunication with a respective outlet portion 756 which is generallyaligned with the annular projection. Each outlet portion 756 has asocket as described above in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 30which is adapted to receive the inlet portion of various plumbingfittings as described in the foregoing specification. In each case,however, the inlet portion includes a smooth outer circumferentialsurface. The seal in the socket provides a fluid tight connectionbetween the outlet portion 756 and the inlet portion of the plumbingfitting. The set screw enables the plumbing fitting to be secured to theoutlet portion 756 in any desired orientation about 360°.

In this way, the drop line fitting 740 of FIG. 31 enables a pair ofopposed drop lines to be provided from a pipeline using only one dropline fitting.

In use, a hole of the appropriate size is provided in a sprinkler systempipeline at a location where a drop line is desired. The bracket of adrop line fitting according to the present invention is then positionedover the hole with the annular projection of the bracket preferablyextending slightly into the hole in the pipeline. The threaded U-bolt(or the opposite bracket member, if desired) is positioned over thepipeline with the threaded ends of the U-bolt being received by thecorresponding openings in the bracket. Nuts on the threaded ends of theU-bolt are then tightened which urges a resilient sealing memberprovided around the annular projection to seal the pipeline with respectto the inlet of the drop line fitting.

The outlet of the drop line fitting may then be connected to the inletof a first conduit according to the present invention directly or may beconnected to other plumbing fittings including a nipple of anappropriate length as desired. If the outlet of the drop line conduit isprovided with a portion having a smooth circumferential surface, theportion is received within a socket of the other plumbing fitting andthen the plumbing fitting is rotated to the desired orientation. The setscrew is then rotated to secure the other plumbing fitting to the outletof the drop line fitting. A sealing member in the socket seals theoutlet of the drop line fitting with respect to the socket of the otherplumbing fitting. If the drop line fitting is provided with a socket,the smooth inlet of a plumbing fitting is inserted into the socket, theplumbing fitting is rotated to the desired orientation and then the setscrew is tightened to secure the plumbing fitting to the drop linefitting.

With reference now to FIG. 43, another drop line fitting 800 accordingto the present invention includes an inlet portion formed by a bracketmember 810. The bracket member 810 includes a bottom surface 812 whichcorresponds generally to the curvature of a pipeline to which the dropline fitting is to be secured (see also the embodiment of FIG. 29).

The bracket member 810 includes an annular channel in the bottom surface812 which is adapted to receive a resilient sealing member. If desired,the annular channel and the resilient sealing member may includeportions which extend outwardly whereby rotation of the sealing memberin the annular channel is prevented.

Preferably, the inner wall of the annular channel forms an annularprojection which extends slightly beyond the bottom surface of thebracket member. In this way, if a hole is provided in the pipeline whichhas a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the inner wall ofthe annular channel, the annular projection extends into the hole in thepipeline and helps to prevent movement of the bracket member relative tothe pipeline.

A U-bolt 822 is provided to releasably secure the bracket member 810 tothe pipeline. The U-bolt has a mid-section which has a curvaturegenerally corresponding to the curvature of the pipeline. The U-bolt 822has threaded ends 824 which are received by passageways 826 provided inthe bracket member 810. Preferably, the threaded ends of the U-bolt areparallel to one another. The threaded ends 824 of the U-bolt receivenuts 828 which are used to securely fasten the drop line fitting to thepipeline.

According to the present invention, the annular projection of thebracket member forms an inlet portion for the fitting with the annularprojection being in communication with an outlet portion 830 which isoriented at 90° with the inlet or annular projection 820. The outletportion 830 has a smooth outer circumference and is adapted to bereceived by a socket of another fitting as described above. The socketincludes a seal support collar along with a resilient seal and a setscrew. The seal provides a fluid tight connection between the outletportion 830 and the socket. The set screw enables the fitting to besecured to the outlet portion 830 in any desired orientation generallyabout 180° (rather than 360°) because of the supply pipeline.

With reference now to FIG. 44, a more preferred form of the drop linefitting 800' according to the present invention corresponds generally tothe drop line fitting 800 of FIG. 43 except that the outlet portion 830'includes a seal support collar 860 along with a resilient seal 862 and aset screw 864. The seal 862 provides a fluid tight connection betweenthe outlet portion 830 and a spigot provided as the inlet portion ofvarious plumbing fittings as described in the foregoing specification.In each case, the spigot or inlet portion of the plumbing fittingincludes a smooth outer circumference which is adapted to be received bythe seal support collar 860. The seal 862 provides a fluid tightconnection between the outlet portion 830' and the inlet portion of theplumbing fitting. The set screw enables the plumbing fitting to besecured to the outlet portion 830' in any desired orientation generallyabout 180° (rather than 360°) because of the supply pipeline.

In the preferred embodiment, the drop line fitting 800' is provided on apipeline so that the outlet extends upwardly at 90° with respect to theinlet of the drop line fitting.

With reference to FIG. 45, another drop line fitting 840 according tothe present invention includes a pair of bracket members each of whichincludes an inlet portion formed by a bracket member 842. Each bracketmember 842 includes a bottom surface 844 which corresponds generally tothe curvature of a pipeline to which the drop line fitting is to besecured.

Each bracket member 840 includes an annular channel (see FIG. 29) in thebottom surface 844 which is adapted to receive a resilient sealingmember. If desired, the annular channel and the resilient sealing memberof each bracket member 842 may include portions which extend outwardly(not shown) whereby rotation of the sealing member in the annularchannel is prevented.

Preferably, the inner wall of the annular channel of each bracket member842 forms an annular projection which extends slightly beyond the bottomsurface of the bracket member. In this way, if a hole is providedcompletely through the pipeline which hole has a diameter slightlylarger than the diameter of the inner wall of the annular channel, theannular projections extend into the hole in the pipeline and help toprevent movement of the bracket member 840 relative to the pipeline.

A pair of bolts 850 releasably secure the two bracket members 840 toeach other and to the pipeline. The bolts 850 each have a threaded end852 and the bolts are received by passageways provided in the bracketmembers 840. The threaded ends 852 of the bolts receive nuts 854 whichare used to securely fasten the drop line fitting to the pipeline.

Each of the annular projections of the bracket members forms an inletportion for the fitting with the annular projections being incommunication with a respective outlet portion 856. Each outlet portion856 has a socket oriented at 90° with respect to the inlet of the dropline fitting as described above in connection with the embodiment ofFIG. 44 which is adapted to receive a spigot provided as the inletportion of various plumbing fittings as described in the foregoingspecification. In each case, the spigot or inlet portion includes asmooth outer circumferential surface. The seal in the socket provides afluid tight connection between the outlet portion 856 and the inletportion of the plumbing fitting. The set screw enables the plumbingfitting to be secured to the outlet portion 856 in any desiredorientation generally about 180° (rather than 360°) because of thesupply pipeline.

In this way, the drop line fitting 840 of FIG. 45 enables a pair ofopposed drop lines to be provided from a pipeline using only one dropline fitting. With reference to FIGS. 43-45, by providing the socket orspigot at 90° with respect to the inlet, a savings of about three inchesin overall length may be obtained for a typical piping configurationhaving a one inch inside diameter. This provides a significant savingsin height especially when the total available height above the ceilingis only 12 to 16 inches. Each of the spigots or sockets provided at 90°to the inlet provides an adjustable connection which may be rotatedafter installation through at least 180° in order to facilitate thepreferred positioning of a sprinkler head with respect to the supplypipeline.

The drop line fittings of FIGS. 43-45 may be oriented with the spigotsor sockets of the outlet oriented upwardly (as shown) or downwardly orin any desired orientation depending upon the circumstances present atthe installation site.

Referring now to FIG. 32, a conduit 430 includes an outlet portion 432and an inlet portion 431. The outlet portion 432 is configured to have asmooth outer circumferential surface and the inlet portion 431 isconfigured with internal threads 433.

The outlet portion 432, however, has an increased length which isapproximately twice as long as the length of the outlet portion 12 ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1. For example, the outlet portion 432 may have alength of about 3.5 inches in comparison with the typical length of 1.75inches for the outlet 12 of the conduit 10 in FIG. 1.

With reference now to FIG. 38, a conduit 432 has an inlet 438 formed asa socket 440. The socket 440 corresponds generally to the socketprovided at the inlet portion 11 of the conduit 10 (see FIG. 1).However, the socket 440 of the embodiment of FIG. 38 has a deepenedpassageway 442 which has a length approximately twice as long as thesocket provided in the conduit of FIG. 1.

The conduit 436 has an outlet portion 444 formed as a reduced threadedcoupling so as to receive a sprinkler head. Typically, the outletportion 444 is provided with a 1/2 inch internal diameter.

With reference now to FIG. 37, the outlet 432 of the conduit 430 may bereceived by the socket 440 of the inlet portion 438 of the conduit 436.In this way, the outlet 432 may be selectively inserted or withdrawnrelative to the deepened passageway 442 in order to provide a verticaladjustment for the sprinkler head positioning arrangement.

With reference now to FIG. 33, a conduit 450 includes an outlet portion452 and an inlet portion 451. The outlet portion 452 is configured tohave a smooth outer circumferential surface and the inlet portion 451 isconfigured as a socket 454. The socket has a standard depth passageway456. The outlet portion 452, however, has an increased length, forexample approximately 3.5 inches, which is about twice as long as thelength of the outlet portion 12 of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

With reference now to FIG. 36, if no vertical adjustment is desiredbetween the first and second conduits, the lengthened outlet 432 of theconduit 430 could be received by the standard socket 454 of the conduit450. Vertical adjustment may be provided by the lengthened outletportion 452 which may be slidingly received by a nipple 460 (see FIG.39).

The nipple 460 is formed as a deepened socket 462 with a reduceddiameter threaded outlet typically having an internal diameter of 1/8inch. The nipple 460 may be selectively positioned along the outletportion 452 of the conduit 450 (see FIG. 33) so as to provide a verticaladjustment for the sprinkler head (not shown) relative to the secondconduit 450 (see FIG. 36).

With reference now to FIG. 34, a 90° elbow 469 has one end configured asa standard socket 470 having a set screw and sealing arrangement asdescribed in connection with the attachment arrangement or socket of theembodiment of FIG. 1.

The elbow 469 has another end 472 configured to have a smooth outercircumferential surface to be received within a socket (either astandard length socket or a deepened socket to provide lengthwiseadjustability).

With reference to FIG. 35, another elbow 471 has one end 473 configuredwith female threads and the other end 745 configured to have a smoothouter circumferential surface to be received within a socket (either astandard length socket or a deepened socket to provide lengthwiseadjustability).

With reference now to FIG. 42, another elbow 480 has one end 482provided with female threads and the other end 484 formed as a socketcorresponding generally to the sockets provided at the inlet portion 171and the outlet portion 172 of the conduit 170 (see FIG. 17). The elbow480 may be a 90° elbow or a 45° elbow (not shown).

In each of the embodiments of conduits and elbows having lengthenedoutlets, (for example, FIGS. 32-37 and 40) the lengthened outlets couldbe provided with grooves or scoring at 1/8 inch increments in order tofacilitate a shortening of the outlet, see FIG. 32. These grooves arepreferably provided in the spigot during the casting of the conduit orfitting and are especially preferable in connection with the use ofductile cast iron. The spigot may be cut to the desired length duringinstallation.

With reference now to FIG. 40, another arrangement for connecting theinlet of the first conduit to a supply pipe includes a union tailpiece500 which has female threads at an inlet 502 of the tailpiece. Theoutlet 504 of the tailpiece is provided with a curved union matingsurface 506 which corresponds to a union mating surface 508 provided atthe inlet 510 of the first conduit 512. A union nut 514 threadablyengages male threads on the inlet 510 to urge the union mating surfacestoward one another. Preferably, the union tailpiece, union nut and unionmating surfaces are configured so as to provide a passageway for fluidhaving a minimum cross sectional dimension of, for example, one inch.

The union mating surfaces can be gasketed, if desired, or may be aground joint.

With reference now to FIG. 41, another embodiment of the adjustablesprinkler head positioning assembly according to the present inventionincludes a first conduit 610 which is fabricated preferably of cast ironpipe but may be fabricated from any material suitable for transportingwater under pressure in compliance with the applicable fire codes andregulations. The first conduit 610 includes an inlet portion 611 havinga circular cross-section (as in pipe or tubing) and an outlet portion612 having a circular cross-section. The first conduit 610 is fabricatedto have a smooth and substantially constant area internal cross-sectionbetween the inlet portion 611 and the outlet portion 612 and the centerline of the inlet portion 611 is parallel to, but offset from, thecenter line of the inlet portion 612.

Female threads are provided at the inlet portion 611 for connecting thefirst conduit 610 to a sprinkler system drop line fitting 628. When thefirst conduit 610 is initially connected to a fitting 628 of a sprinklersystem drop line, the first conduit 610 is not fully tightened onto thefitting 628 so as to enable the first conduit 610 to be subsequentlyrotated relative to the fitting 628. However, the first conduit 610 isthreaded onto the fitting 628 sufficiently to provide a leak-tightengagement of the fitting 628 and the inlet of the first conduit 610.

The sprinkler head positioning assembly includes a second conduit 620having an inlet portion 621 having a circular cross-section and anoutlet portion 622 having a circular cross-section. The second conduit620 is fabricated to have a smooth constant area internal cross-sectionbetween the inlet portion 621 and the outlet portion 622 and the centerlines of both the inlet portion 621 and the outlet portion 622 areparallel to each other but offset. The second conduit 620 is preferablyof cast iron but may be fabricated from any material suitable fortransporting water under pressure in compliance with the applicable firecodes and regulations.

As with the inlet portion 611 of the first conduit 610, the inletportion 621 of the second conduit 620 also includes female threads. Theinlet of the second conduit 620 is used for connecting the secondconduit 620 to the first conduit 610. In particular, the inlet portion621 of the second conduit 620 is configured to receive the outletportion 612 of the first conduit 610 which is provided with malethreads.

On the outlet portion 622 of the second conduit 620 are disposedexternal threads 626. The external or male threads 626 are suitable forreceiving a sprinkler head. To enable use of the assembly for certainsprinkler heads, the outlet portion 622 may be fabricated with internalthreads instead. In the assembled condition, the outlet portion 612 ofthe first conduit 610 is threadably received within the inlet portion621 of the second conduit 620. More specifically, the outlet portion 612is positioned such that snug, liquid tight contact exists between theoutlet portion 612 and the inlet portion 621.

Initially the second conduit is not fully tightened onto the firstconduit so as to permit adjustment of the first and second conduitsduring final positioning of the outlet of the second conduit in adesired location (typically at the center of a ceiling tile).

The threaded connections at the inlet of the first conduit and betweenthe outlet of the first conduit and the inlet of the second conduittypically enable about a full rotation while still providing a fluidtight sealing arrangement. However, once the arrangement of FIG. 41 hasbeen tightened, loosening of the threaded connections by more than about5° to 10° oftentimes results in leakage requiring the fittings to bedisassembled and then reassembled. The fittings may be further tightened(rather than loosened) usually up to one full rotation per fitting.

In the arrangement of FIG. 41, the first and second conduits 610, 620may be identical to one another to facilitate manufacture and to reducecosts.

While the adjustable sprinkler head positioning assembly according tothe present invention has been described with reference to a watersprinkler system, it is expected that the assembly may be of generalutility in systems other than water sprinkler systems. Accordingly, theprinciples, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the presentinvention have been described in the foregoing specification. However,the invention which is intended to be protected is not to be construedas limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, theembodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative ratherthan restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention and it is expresslyintended that all such variations and changes which fall within thespirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims, maybe embraced thereby.

What is claimed is:
 1. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly comprising:a first conduit having a first conduitinlet and a first conduit outlet wherein a center line of the firstconduit outlet is offset from and parallel to a center line of the firstconduit inlet, said first conduit inlet and said first conduit outletbeing oriented to direct fluid flow in the same direction, the firstconduit inlet and the first conduit outlet being substantially circularin cross section and the centerlines of said first conduit inlet and ofsaid first conduit outlet being offset in the radial direction by adistance equal to at least the diameter of said first conduit inlet,said first conduit outlet comprising a socket, said socket beingintegral with said first conduit; a second conduit having a secondconduit inlet and a second conduit outlet wherein a center line of thesecond conduit outlet is offset from and parallel to a center line ofthe second conduit inlet, said second conduit inlet and said secondconduit outlet being oriented to direct fluid flow in the samedirection, the second conduit inlet and the second conduit outlet beingsubstantially circular in cross section and the centerlines of saidsecond conduit inlet and said second conduit outlet being offset in theradial direction by a distance equal to at least the diameter of saidsecond conduit inlet, said second conduit inlet having a smooth outercircumferential surface with a smooth outer contour, said smooth outercircumferential surface with a smooth outer contour of said secondconduit inlet being receivable within said socket, said socket having aset screw for securing said second conduit in a desired circumferentialposition relative to said first conduit, said socket further comprisingsealing means for preventing fluid leakage between said first conduitoutlet and said second conduit inlet; means for receiving a sprinklerhead, said means for receiving being disposed at said second conduitoutlet; first attachment means for adjustably securing said firstconduit to a sprinkler drop line which is disposed behind a surface fromwhich a sprinkler head is intended to protrude, said first attachmentmeans being disposed at said first inlet of said first conduit, saidfirst attachment means being integral with said first conduit; wherebysaid means for receiving a sprinkler head may be variably positioned soas to be provided at a predetermined location along said surface fromwhich a sprinkler head is intended to protrude.
 2. An adjustablefire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assembly comprising:a firstconduit having a first conduit inlet and a first conduit outlet whereina center line of the first conduit outlet is offset from and parallel toa center line of the first conduit inlet, said first conduit inlet andsaid first conduit outlet being oriented to direct fluid flow in thesame direction, the first conduit inlet and the first conduit outletbeing substantially circular in cross section and the centerlines ofsaid first conduit inlet and of said first conduit outlet being offsetin the radial direction by a distance equal to at least the diameter ofsaid first conduit inlet, said first conduit inlet and said firstconduit outlet being threaded with said first conduit outlet comprisingan integral socket provided with female threads and said first conduitinlet comprising male threads, said first conduit inlet with malethreads adjustably securing said first conduit to a sprinkler drop linewhich is disposed behind a surface from which a sprinkler head isintended to protrude; a second conduit having a second conduit inlet anda second conduit outlet wherein a center line of the second conduitoutlet is offset from and parallel to a center line of the secondconduit inlet, said second conduit inlet and said second conduit outletbeing oriented to direct fluid flow in the same direction, the secondconduit inlet and the second conduit outlet being substantially circularin cross section and the centerlines of said second conduit inlet andsaid second conduit outlet being offset in the radial direction by adistance equal to at least the diameter of said second conduit inlet,said second conduit inlet comprising male threads, said male threads, ofsaid second conduit inlet being threadably receivable by said femalethreads of said integral socket of said first conduit outlet with saidsecond conduit in a desired circumferential position relative to saidfirst conduit which maintaining a fluid sealing relationship betweensaid first conduit outlet and said second conduit inlet; means forreceiving a sprinkler head, said means for receiving being disposed atsaid second conduit outlet and comprising female threads; said firstconduit including said male threads of said first conduit inlet and saidsocket of said first conduit outlet being identical to said secondconduit including said male threads of said second conduit inlet andsaid socket of said second conduit outlet, whereby the same toolingforms both the first conduit and the second conduit; whereby said meansfor receiving a sprinkler head may be variably positioned so as to beprovided at a predetermined location along said surface from which asprinkler head is intended to protrude.
 3. An adjustablefire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assembly comprising:a firstconduit having a first conduit inlet and a first conduit outlet whereina center line of the first conduit outlet is offset from and parallel toa center line of the first conduit inlet, said first conduit inlet andsaid first conduit outlet being oriented to direct fluid flow in thesame direction, the first conduit inlet and the first conduit outletbeing substantially circular in cross section and the centerlines ofsaid first conduit inlet and of said first conduit outlet being offsetin the radial direction by a distance equal to at least the diameter ofsaid first conduit inlet, said first conduit inlet comprising malethreads, said male threads being receivable by female threads of afitting provided on a sprinkler drop line which is disposed behind asurface from which a sprinkler head is intended to protrude, firstconduit being positionable in a desired circumferential positionrelative to said sprinkler drop line, said first conduit outletcomprising a socket, said socket being integral with said first conduit;a second conduit having a second conduit inlet and a second conduitoutlet wherein a center line of the second conduit outlet is offset fromand parallel to a center line of the second conduit inlet, said secondconduit inlet and said second conduit outlet being oriented to directfluid flow in the same direction, the second conduit inlet and thesecond conduit outlet being substantially circular in cross section andthe centerlines of said second conduit inlet and said second conduitoutlet being offset in the radial direction by a distance equal to atleast the diameter of said second conduit inlet, said second conduitinlet having a smooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outercontour, said socket of said first conduit outlet further comprisingsealing means for preventing fluid leakage between said first conduitoutlet and said smooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outercontour of said second conduit inlet; means for receiving a sprinklerhead, said means for receiving being disposed at said second conduitoutlet, said means for receiving comprising a socket provided at saidsecond conduit outlet, said socket being integral with said secondconduit, a smooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outercontour of a sprinkler head being receivable within said socket, saidsocket having a set screw for securing said sprinkler head to saidsecond conduit, said socket further comprising sealing means forpreventing fluid leakage between said second conduit outlet and saidsprinkler head; said first conduit including said first conduit inletprior to receiving said male threads and said socket of said firstconduit outlet being identical to said second conduit including saidsmooth circumferential surface with a smooth outer contour of saidsecond conduit inlet and said socket of said second conduit outlet,whereby the same tooling forms both the first conduit and the secondconduit; whereby said means for receiving a sprinkler head may bevariably positioned so as to be provided at a predetermined locationalong said surface from which a sprinkler head is intended to protrude.4. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said inlet of said first conduit has asmooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outer contour.
 5. Anadjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said outlet of said second conduit isprovided with male threads.
 6. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinklerhead positioning assembly according to claim 1 wherein the inlet of saidfirst conduit comprises a second socket, said second socket beingintegral with said first conduit, whereby a smooth outer circumferentialsurface with a smooth outer contour of another fitting is receivablewithin said second socket, said second socket having a set screw forsecuring said first conduit in a desired circumferential positionrelative to said fitting, said second socket further comprising sealingmeans for preventing fluid leakage between said first conduit and saidfitting.
 7. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioningassembly according to claim 1 wherein said outlet of said second conduitis provided with female threads.
 8. An adjustable fire-suppressionsprinkler head positioning assembly according to claim 7 wherein saidfemale threads have a reduced diameter compared to the inside diameterof said conduit.
 9. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly according to claim 1 wherein the outlet of saidsecond conduit comprises a second smooth outer circumferential surfacewith a smooth outer contour.
 10. An adjustable fire-suppressionsprinkler head positioning assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidinlet of said first conduit is provided with female threads.
 11. Anadjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein said first attachment means comprises asmooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outer contour whichis receivable within a socket provided on the sprinkler drop line, saidsocket having a set screw for securing said first conduit in a desiredcircumferential position relative to said sprinkler drop line, saidsocket further comprising sealing means for preventing fluid leakagebetween said first conduit inlet and socket provided on the sprinklerdrop line.
 12. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioningassembly as set firth in claim 11, wherein said means for receiving asprinkler head comprises a socket provided at said second conduitoutlet, said first conduit including said socket of said first conduitoutlet and said smooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outercontour of said first conduit inlet being identical to said secondconduit including said socket of said second conduit outlet and saidsmooth outer circumferential surface with a smooth outer contour of saidsecond conduit inlet, whereby the same tooling forms both the firstconduit and the second conduit.
 13. An adjustable fire-suppressionsprinkler head positioning assembly as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid first attachment means comprises a threaded female socket, saidthreaded female socket being integral with said first conduit, athreaded male end of a fitting provided on the sprinkler drop line beingreceivable within said threaded female socket, whereby said firstconduit may be provided in a desired circumferential position relativeto said sprinkler drop line while maintaining a fluid sealingrelationship between said first conduit inlet and said threaded male endof said fitting.
 14. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein said means forreceiving a sprinkler head comprises a smooth outer circumferentialsurface with a smooth outer contour provided at said second conduitoutlet.
 15. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioningassembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first and second conduitsare formed of black steel.
 16. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinklerhead positioning assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein said meansfor receiving a sprinkler head comprises female threads provided at saidsecond conduit outlet.
 17. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly as set forth in claim 16, wherein female threads ofsaid said second conduit outlet have a reduced diameter compared to theinside diameter of said second conduit inlet.
 18. An adjustablefire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assembly according to claim1 wherein said first conduit and said second conduit are cast.
 19. Anadjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said first conduit has a height which isabout 6 times the minimum cross sectional diameter of the first conduitand wherein the second conduit has a total height which is bout 6 timesthe minimum cross sectional diameter of the second conduit.
 20. Anadjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said first conduit and said second conduitwhen connected together have a total height which is about 10 times theminimum cross sectional diameter of the second conduit.
 21. Anadjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein said first and second conduits are cast.22. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assemblyaccording to claim 2 wherein said first conduit and said second conduitare formed of black steel.
 23. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinklerhead positioning assembly according to claim 2 wherein said firstconduit has a height which is about 6 times the minimum cross sectionaldiameter of the first conduit and wherein the second conduit has aheight which is about 6 times the minimum cross sectional diameter ofthe second conduit.
 24. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler headpositioning assembly according to claim 2 wherein said first conduit andsaid second conduit when connected together have a total height which isabout 10 times the minimum cross sectional diameter of the secondconduit.
 25. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinkler head positioningassembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said first and second conduitsare formed of black steel.
 26. An adjustable fire-suppression sprinklerhead positioning assembly according to claim 3 wherein said firstconduit and said second conduit are cast.
 27. An adjustablefire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assembly according to claim3, wherein said first conduit has a height which is about 6 times theminimum cross sectional diameter of the first conduit and wherein thesecond conduit has a height which is about 6 times the minimum crosssectional diameter of the second conduit.
 28. An adjustablefire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assembly according to claim3 wherein said first conduit and said second conduit when connectedtogether have a total height which is about 10 times the minimum crosssectional diameter of the second conduit.
 29. An adjustablefire-suppression sprinkler head positioning assembly systemcomprising:means for connecting a sprinkler head to a supply conduit,said means for connecting enabling said sprinkler head to be variablypositioned after said sprinkler head is connected to said supply conduitso as to be provided at a predetermined location along said surface fromwhich a sprinkler head is intended to protrude, said means forconnecting comprising a plurality of plumbing fittings at least one ofwhich comprises an inlet and an outlet which are not colinear, one ofsaid inlet and outlet of said at least one plumbing fitting comprising asmooth outer circumferential surface which may be received within asocket, said socket having a set screw for securing said fitting in adesired circumferential position relative to said socket, said socketfurther comprising sealing means for preventing fluid leakage betweensaid at least one plumbing fitting and said socket.